Trump seeks to scale back joint drills in bid to lure Kim back to talks, experts say

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, according to experts, in a bid to re-engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the source indicates. Trump argued that these exercises were expensive and conveyed an inappropriate and hostile message to North Korea, citing his positive relationship with Kim and asserting that the latter had been unthreatening and respectful during his tenure.

As the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) was already slated to commence the following day, Trump instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to substantially diminish the annual exercise, as reported on Monday. The directive represents Trump's first attempt to scale back joint drills since the onset of his second term. During his initial term, following their June 2018 summit in Singapore, Trump referred to joint military exercises as well.